Montgomery Reacts to Illinois' New Conceal Carry Law

Illinois officially legalized private carrying of concealed guns on Tuesday as both houses of the legislature voted convincingly to override Gov. Pat Quinn's veto: the House by 77-31, and the Senate by 41-17.

The new legislation requires a background check and 16 hours of firearms training to purchase a $150 five-year concealed-carry license; as a "shall-issue" law, Illinois State Police must grant the license to anyone with those credentials.

Illinois faced a Tuesday deadline to adopt a concealed-carry provision after a federal appeals court ruled in December 2012 that the state's ban on concealed-carry was unconstitutional.

Montgomery Patch readers took to our Facebook page to give their reaction to the legislation. Here's just some of what they had to say:

• Pat L. Catch 22 for me. In this day and age I'd say yes, it's good on the other hand, in this day and age, we live among too many hot heads, ignorant, ppl who will justify the use of a gun. Not crazy about it either. God help us all.
• Marianne G. Look at how many died and were shot over the 4th?? I definitely think we'll see an increase in violence. I find it scary to think I could be shopping in a local store where others may have a gun. Then something ticks them off and they pull out their gun possibly shooting innocent people.....cutting in line or having a bad day could be the trigger that sends that person over the edge. Terrible idea!!
• Kaye B. Is not carrying stopping murders ? I have the right to protect myself and my family, the killers have no right to take a life, so why cant I have the right to protect mine.
• Sheila T. I hope we are never allowed to carry firearms in public. Having a gun in your home to protect I totally agree with.

Now it's your turn. What do you think of Illinois' new Conceal Carry law? Will it make us safer or does it invite more gun violence? Tell us in the comments section below.